An investigation of the effects on children of tooth extraction under general anaesthesia in general dental practice

Objective To describe the morbidity related to general anaesthesia provided in general dental practices for the extraction of teeth in school children. Design Observational study supported by structured questionnaires and interviews. Setting Three general dental practices in a Lancashire health district and children's homes. Subjects 80 children aged 5-15 years undergoing extractions under general anaesthesia. Main outcome measures Observed demeanour of the children prior to, during and immediately after the surgical procedures. Reported morbidity during the following 24 hours and 1 month later. Results 92% of the children complained of symptoms associated with the surgery under general anaesthesia. Distress was noted in 16 (20%) patients during the induction of 26 (33%) during recovery. Continued crying was reported for 24 (39%) during the journey home and for 23 (37%) once home had been reached. Other symptoms included nausea, vomiting, sickness and prolonged bleeding. Six reported psychological trauma 1 month after; three had nightmares, two had continuing bad memories and one was depressed for several days. Conclusion Morbidity following extractions under general anaesthesia in general dental practice is common and has distressing consequences for the young patients and their carers.